Umbilicus oppositifolius (Lamb’s Tail)
Lamb's Tail, Chiastophyllum oppositifolium, Chiastophyllum simplicifolia, Chiastophyllum simplicifolium, Cotyledon oppositifolia, Cotyledon simplicifolia
A little gem in the shady garden, Umbilicus oppositifolius (Lamb’s Tail) is a prostrate evergreen perennial forming a neat and bright mat of fleshy, ovate, pale to mid-green succulent leaves. In late spring and early summer, showy arching racemes of small, bright yellow flowers appear along the brown-flushed stems. Easy to grow, and well-behaved, Lamb’s Tail is excellent for rock gardens, raised beds, between flagstones, and as a groundcover.
- Winner of the Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 6-8 in. tall (15-20 cm) and 6 in. across (15 cm).
- Thrives in part shade, in poor to moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils.
- Ideal for garden edging, groundcover, cottage gardens, city gardens, or rock gardens. Best planted in groups of 5 to 10
- Easy to grow, virtually disease free. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails.
- Propagate by seed or use side shoots for softwood cuttings in summer.
- Native to Caucasus.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
6 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
6 - 9 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Crassulaceae |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) |
| Height |
6" - 8" (20cm - 20cm) |
| Spread |
5" - 6" (10cm - 20cm) |
| Spacing | 10" (30cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
| Garden Uses | Edging, Ground Covers |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
By Colin Michael Baker, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
6 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
6 - 9 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Crassulaceae |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) |
| Height |
6" - 8" (20cm - 20cm) |
| Spread |
5" - 6" (10cm - 20cm) |
| Spacing | 10" (30cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
| Garden Uses | Edging, Ground Covers |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
